Degree Laboratory Apprentice Technician University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool is a globally recognised, research-intensive institution and a founding member of the Russell Group. It delivers high-quality teaching and pioneering research across a broad range of disciplines, with a strong commitment to public engagement, innovation, and societal impact. The university maintains extensive partnerships with industry, healthcare, and academic institutions worldwide, and is known for its vibrant campus, inclusive culture, and world-class facilities.

The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences is one of the university's largest and most interdisciplinary faculties. It integrates education, research, and clinical practice across medicine, dentistry, psychology, veterinary science, public health, and life sciences. The faculty is structured to promote cross-disciplinary collaboration and translational research, addressing major health challenges and improving outcomes for individuals and communities.

The Institute Of Systems, Molecular And Integrative Biology (ISMIB) is a core research and teaching institute within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. It brings together expertise across molecular, cellular, and systems biology to advance understanding of biological processes in health and disease. ISMIB includes the following key academic units:

• School of Biosciences
• School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics
• Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology
• Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine

You will obtain a Level 6 qualification in Biosciences and can apply to internal roles on completion of your programme. As a Degree Laboratory Apprentice Technician, you will support the delivery of laboratory services within the Institute spread across the University of Liverpool's central city campus while studying towards a Level 6 Laboratory Scientist (Biosciences) degree. You will be part of a collaborative technical team based in multiple buildings, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of teaching and research laboratories.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining clean, safe, and well-equipped laboratory environments, including routine housekeeping, waste disposal, and equipment care.
• Assisting with the setup and clearing away of materials and reagents for undergraduate and postgraduate practical sessions, as well as for research laboratories, including preparing media, solutions, and basic experiments.
• Supporting class preparation, simple laboratory analyses, and routine technical tasks under supervision.
• Managing stock levels, handling deliveries, cataloguing samples, and supporting the organisation of laboratory assets.
• Assisting with health and safety procedures, including risk assessments, audits, and incident reporting, under supervision.
• Assisting with the updating of standard operating procedures and other relevant documentation, as required, with support from senior technical staff.
• Participating in wider University activities such as open days, outreach events, and sustainability initiatives (e.g., LEAF).
• Supporting field trips.

Behavioural expectations:

You will be expected to demonstrate a positive, proactive attitude and a willingness to learn. As part of a professional technical team, you should communicate clearly, follow instructions reliably, and take responsibility for your tasks. You will be trusted to work independently on routine duties, solve straightforward problems, and make minor decisions related to your work. A flexible approach to working hours may be required, and you should be ready to support others, challenge poor practices, and uphold the university's values around safety, equality, and inclusion.

The Applied Biosciences Degree (Level 6) is delivered over 36 months. During this time, you will combine structured academic learning with practical, hands-on experience in a university laboratory environment. You will be allocated six hours per week during working hours to complete formal learning and training activities. This time may be used for online modules, virtual lectures, practical training sessions, assignments, portfolio development, reflective practice, or scheduled meetings with your academic tutor or apprenticeship coordinator. The remainder of your working week will be dedicated to on-the-job training, where you will apply scientific and technical skills in real laboratory settings, work alongside experienced technical staff, develop professional behaviours, and contribute to the operational delivery of laboratory services. Your progress will be supported through regular reviews, mentorship, and structured feedback, ensuring alignment with both academic and workplace expectations.

Requirements:

• 18 years or older due to the nature of the role.
• You must have the right of abode and the right to work in the UK to qualify for funding. If you have the right of abode, you do not require a visa or electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to enter and work in the UK. You must not have any restriction on the length of time you may spend in the country. Proof of status will be required before the interview.
• Must not have a degree or higher in any subject.

Previous qualifications (essential):

• 5x GCSEs with at least two in English Language and Mathematics at Grade C or 4 or above.
• Applicants should have a minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points, including:

• 3 A Levels (1 must be Grade C in Biology).
• BTEC Extended Diploma (Grade DMM) must include four good science modules with an emphasis on Biomedical Science.
• T Level Science with Merit.

Important information:

To receive levy funding, an individual cannot be enrolled in another apprenticeship concurrently with the new one.

35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Occasionally, you may be asked to support weekend open days, as well as field trips outside Liverpool. Time off in lieu (TOIL) will apply. This post is on-site and is not eligible for hybrid working.